I was one who did not think PJ *had* to direct The Hobbit. I thought it would be nice but I was open to other directors and when Guillermo was chosen to work with PJ, I was not unhappy. As I grew to 'know' Guillermo more, as much as one can by hearing how he works and having him interact with fans and address their concerns on TORn's message boards, I came to be more and more happy with the choice. I liked this man and I didn't know what he would do with The Hobbit but I was ready for him to show me.

Having him leave like this is just sad. I felt a heaviness in my heart reading his and PJ's words. I don't know how he feels having to make this decision but I can imagine he feels a fair (if not more) amount of disappointment himself and I feel bad for that too.

I hope that things can get resolved in regards to The Hobbit. I understand that the people who can make things happen don't have any feelings for this movie more than what its earning potential is. And the people who care deeply can do no more than sit and wait with patience for other things to fall into place. If only we could find some way for one team to feel just a part of what the other feels so keenly. Could we gift them with some of the Tolkien magic that seems to leave changed lives in its wake?